An investigation is under way after five homes were damaged by fire this afternoon (Sunday 16 March).
The fire started at property a in Roman Lane, Southwater, and spread to four neighbouring homes.
A woman in one of those neighbouring homes said that her family had lost everything as she started a crowdfunder (see below).
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said that it was called out to tackle the blaze just after midday and sent 10 fire engines and an aerial ladder platform to the scene.
The fire service said earlier: “We are currently responding to a fire in Roman Lane, in Southwater.
“Please avoid the area to allow firefighters to work safely and keep windows and doors closed if you live near by.”
The fire service also said: “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using high-pressure hose reels to bring the fire under control.
UPDATE: The fire is now under control and our response will be scaled back soon.
— West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (@WestSussexFire) March 16, 2025
“There is a lot of smoke in the area so we would urge those living nearby to keep doors and windows closed and for people to avoid the area for the time being to allow firefighters to work safely.”
Just after 1.45pm, the fire service said that the fire was under control and that it was scaling back its response.
Sussex Police said: “Emergency services attended reports of a property fire in Roman Lane, Southwater, on Sunday 16 March at around 12pm.
“The road was closed while West Sussex Fire and Rescue worked to control and extinguish the fire which had spread to four neighbouring properties.
“No injuries were reported and inquiries around the circumstances of the fires remain ongoing at this time.
“We are aware of videos circulating online and are asking anyone with information or footage to contact police.
“You can do this by filling an online reporting form or by calling 101, quoting reference 402 of 16/03.
A post by Chloe Collins on Go Fund Me said: “My name is Chloe and I am currently 30 weeks pregnant with my first little bubba.
“We are a very kind and friendly family. My mum, dad, two sisters, brother and me are all heartbroken. Today, our world was completely torn apart.
“My family and I have experienced the worst tragedy any family could possibly imagine … our house has been completely destroyed. We have been told that nothing in our home is salvageable.
“My 15 year old brother was the only resident at home when it happened. We weren’t the cause of the fire. It spread from our next door neighbour’s house and sadly took ours down with it.
“My brother, who is 15, called 999 and managed to get units dispatched but sadly so much had already been lost.
“I am hoping to raise funds to help all my family and purchase new clothes for all, toys for my little sister, who has just turned 7 on Friday and lost all of her new toys due to the fire, and appliances for my parents as well as anything else.
“My partner and I have lost all of our bubba’s things that we have gathered. Everything is gone. We have lost so many memories and all disraught at this time.
“We appreciate every donation and you really will be helping a family who have lost their homes and their entire world.”
